Mercedes-Benz, Moncler and NIGO reimagine the iconic G-Class
Since its inception in 1979, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, also known as the G-Wagen (short for Geländewagen, or “terrain vehicle” in German), has become a recognisable name in the automotive world. It was originally designed as a rugged, military-grade off-roader, with a noticeably boxy, utilitarian design that reflected its origins in German military and government use.
Yet despite its successful evolution in the contemporary luxury space over the years, the G-Class has managed to retain its signature off-road aesthetic and technicalities. Such is the case with a new collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Moncler – an Italian brand known for its jackets, clothing and quilting – who has partnered with NIGO, artistic director of Kenzo and creative director of Human Made. The result of such a partnership is Project G-Class Past II Future, which features a new brand campaign and art piece, a limited-edition G-Class and capsule fashion collection, which debuted at the City of Genius event in Shanghai.
The art piece – titled Project G-Class Past II Future – is based on the iconic 1990s G-Class model, yet its previously aesthetic has been sprinkled with new design elements created by NIGO. One key detail is in the pairing of Moncler’s signature padded textures and Mercedes-Benz’s rugged, angular design cues, fusing a retro-futuristic aesthetic with the gritty energy of 90s street culture. Following in the footsteps of PROJECT MONGO G, launched at Moncler’s The Art of Genius show in London February 2023, this is the second art piece created by NIGO for Mercedes-Benz and Moncler.
Additionally, the release features a refreshed new model with a limited run of 20 cars inspired by the art piece. The G-Class is renowned for its robust ladder frame, three locking differentials and impressive ground clearance, meaning it’s extremely capable in handling off-road duties and extreme conditions, from rocky mountain trails to deep snow. Now, the G-Class has been updated with Mercedes-Benz’s latest technology, including advanced suspension and safety features, allowing it to keep up with more modern SUVs when it comes to performance and adhering to the luxury market.
This new G-Class model retains iconic G-Class elements – such as the rear-mounted spare wheel and foldable windscreen – and has been peppered with additional touches like black steel wheels and a bold gold-coloured fuel can. Devon Turnbull, who’s known for immersive audio installations, has created a custom sound system, incorporating “boom boxes” which are mounted on the convertible (and removable) top linkage.
In parallel, Moncler and Mercedes-Benz presented a capsule fashion collection in Shanghai as part of the release, which is set for a global launch in April 2025. This gender-neutral collection incorporates 90s essentials like souvenir jackets, hoodies and checked shirts, all of which feature the signature puffed design from Moncler and Mercedes-Benz’s modern brand motifs, in a colour palette of classic blacks, greens and blues with pops of orange. What’s more, the campaign’s ‘Past Forward’ theme, captured by photographer Thibaut Grevet, imagines a cityscape where the aesthetics of past and future coexist, represented through the metallic backdrops and industrial tones.
In short, this Moncler-Mercedes-Benz-NIGO collaboration signals a broader movement in luxury automotive design – one that cherishes the past without losing sight of innovation.
“NIGO’s immense creative talent and our co-creation with Moncler are taking us into an exciting urban setting,” says Bettina Fetzer, vice president communications and marketing Mercedes-Benz AG. “The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Past II Future is a very special new ‘twist’ on our icon. This limited edition is a fresh take on 90s style and the character that’s made the G-Class a timeless favourite. Going from inspiring art to engaging products marks an important step in our creative cooperation and offers a new brand experience captured by the zeitgeist.”
The Mercedes-Benz x Moncler by NIGO collaboration presents the art piece “Project Mercedes-Benz G-Class Past II Future”. Image by Thibaut Grevet for Mercedes-Benz
